Best place to watch shuttle launch?

[loveysbydesign]

I just found out that a shuttle is scheduled for launch when we'll be in Florida.....on May 10th. I was wondering where the best place is to go and watch a launch? When I went to WDW in 1987 my parents took us to Cocoa Beach to watch a night launch and it was really cool. Not sure if we should take the kiddos ther to watch it or somewhere else...any help's appreciated!

 

[dgaston]

Although the launch was cancelled, we parked at the Titusville Holiday Inn for $10 and were right across the water from Kennedy. People brought sand chairs, umbrellas, some had canopies, and lots of coolers. There were folks selling souvenirs, pins, drinks, etc inside. We were able to use the motel bathrooms, too. It would have been wonderful, had the launch not been postponed

 

[runner26.2]

Check this webpage for viewing locations.

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/view/view_shuttle.html

We went in the early 90's. unfortunately the launch was cancelled that day and we weren't able to go the next day.

Check the kennedy space center website. They used to have designated parking areas onsite to view the launch. However, they don't seem to be offering that right now. That may change as the launch date approaches.

 

[Seahunt]

I just found out that a shuttle is scheduled for launch when we'll be in Florida.....on May 10th. I was wondering where the best place is to go and watch a launch? When I went to WDW in 1987 my parents took us to Cocoa Beach to watch a night launch and it was really cool. Not sure if we should take the kiddos ther to watch it or somewhere else...any help's appreciated!

Hmmm, based on local news reports down here, I kind of doubt the May launch will go off - keep your fingers crossed, but you might want to have a backup plan! From local TV (WESH) :

The May launch of the next shuttle mission may have to be delayed.

NASA officials said space shuttle Discovery has two problems: a fuel tank sensor isn't working right, and a robotic arm was dented by a vehicle. NASA plans a full briefing before deciding what to do.

Discovery has been on a tight schedule for a May launch, which leaves little time for fixing any major technical problems. It would be only the second shuttle flight since the Columbia tragedy in 2003.

NASA's options for the upcoming flight include going ahead with just three fuel tank sensors or swapping out parts. That's something engineers would prefer not to do.

Last year's launch of Discovery was delayed by a malfunctioning hydrogen fuel sensor. The problem was never pinpointed.

 

[rie'smom]

Believe it or not,we saw a space shuttle from the Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland! Of course it wasn't from take off but just after it had launched. I couldn't help but think that
Walt Disney would have loved it!!

 

[Seahunt]

I just found out that a shuttle is scheduled for launch when we'll be in Florida.....on May 10th. I was wondering where the best place is to go and watch a launch? When I went to WDW in 1987 my parents took us to Cocoa Beach to watch a night launch and it was really cool. Not sure if we should take the kiddos ther to watch it or somewhere else...any help's appreciated!

It's official now- local TV news just reported that the May shuttle launch has been postponed until July 1...

 

[grimley1968]

Cocoa Beach/Titusville is a great area to see it from. If you can find a parking spot on the causeway on the Beachline, go for that. It gives you a clear view of the shuttle across the Indian River.

Sorry about the shuttle delay.

 

[myboymic]

we saw a space shuttle lanuch in june 2004 at a park in tittsville it didn,t cost nothing and we saw it perfactly a worker at kennady told us about it i got it on video you fellt the rummbling and see all the smoke and see the fire out of the engines also the way the wind was blowing that day the smoke come over us pretty cool my kids will remember it for a long time